Stu Quakenbush // Rockford Campus // September 14, 2025
SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGE: Ephesians 1:11-14
REMINDERS
Men’s & Women’s and Fall Studies
New fall studies are beginning soon! There are multiple times available for each, so sign up for the time and study that fits best. Women’s groups begin as early as September 14, and men’s groups begin the week of September 15.
Men’s Fall Breakfast – Praise Report!
The Men at Magnify kicked off the fall season with a breakfast where over 80 men came together to eat some good grub, worship, and meet with other good men. We are so grateful for the way men responded and are excited to see where the Lord leads our church through these guys!
TOGETHER IN LIFE
Stu shared a story about some Navy SEALS enduring impossible training exercises through singing. Have you ever had an experience of dealing with hardship through creative ways of keeping morale high? Share your stories of survival and enduring hardship!
TOGETHER IN THE WORD
Read Ephesians 1:11-14 aloud together.
QUESTIONS
- Where do you see “Gospel truths” in Ephesians 1:11-14?
- Have you known anyone who you can tell believes the Good News down deep into the core of who they are? What are they like? What are some ways you can tell?
- Read John 15:1-5 aloud. In what ways does this idea connect with the “in Him” of Ephesians 1? Why do you think Paul makes such a big deal of this?
- What makes short-term happiness such a tempting pursuit? How do you think short-term happiness can be a distraction from the truth of the Gospel?
- Some of the outcomes of God’s election of His people (God’s choosing those whom He will save) are Comfort and Humility. Talk as a group about what Comfort or Humility to can or have experienced in this truth.
- As followers of Jesus, we’re called to SUBMIT, SERVE, & SING. Which of these comes naturally to you? Which is most difficult to do?
TOGETHER IN ACTION
- Read all of Ephesians 1 and try to summarize it in your own words in 30 seconds or less.
- Sing the Praise of God’s Glory! Practice finding songs of praise to God that emphasize Him (rather than you or your feelings about Him). Sing them aloud in the car, with your family, and – *gulp!*- perhaps with your small group! Whether you have wonderful voice or the only instrument you know how to play is the radio, find time to worship in singing this week.
TOGETHER IN PRAYER
Pray Psalm 100 (NIV)
1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
